Thigh Lift
Thigh Lift in Sugar Land, Katy, and Houston, Texas
- WHAT CAN IT DO: Creates contoured thigh by removing excess skin and fat
- Anesthesia: General
- Combine with: Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Reduction Liposuction
Have you dreamed of having a perfectly proportioned lower body? Excess skin and fat in the thighs can cause chafing, affect clothing fit, and affect your self-confidence. With a thigh lift, you have the opportunity to attain the slim, shapely thighs you’ve always dreamed of. This cosmetic procedure may especially be beneficial for you if you have lost significant weight and are left with loose hanging skin. Thigh lift surgery (thighplasty) is a surgical intervention that removes skin and fat from the thighs, creating a more contoured shape. If you have been suffering from excess fat and skin in your thighs, then don’t hesitate to contact Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery to further evaluate if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Thigh lift consultation and planning
Your surgeon will discuss your expectations regarding the surgery and listen to your concerns. He or she will obtain your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine if you are a candidate for surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with information about the procedure and will offer you an opportunity to ask questions.
Depending on how much skin and fat will need to be removed from your thighs, your thighplasty may be combined with liposuction. Thighplasty may also be safely combined with a number of other body enhancement procedures, so be sure to mention other areas of concern to be addressed during your consultation.
Once you and your surgeon have determined how you would like to proceed, you will be scheduled for surgery. Our staff will provide thorough pre-operative instructions. These instructions will explain that you must refrain from taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications prior to the surgery and avoid smoking. At Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery we are committed to patient safety and delivering the best possible result, and therefore we emphasize the importance of following these pre-operative instructions.
Thigh lift procedure
The surgery is usually performed in our outpatient certified surgery center under general anesthesia and takes 2 to 4 hours. There are different approaches to thigh lift. If only small amount of skin needs to be removed, the incision may be made in the inner thigh/groin crease only. If a significant amount of skin needs to be removed, then incision is started in the inner thigh, beginning in the groin and moving downward towards the knee. This incision creates a longer scar, but is beneficial for patients that have substantial excess skin. Rarely, a patient may be a candidate for the outer thigh incisions which will allow for the tightening and contouring of the outer thigh directly. This procedure may be better able to address skin excess in that area but in exchange for a more visible scar. Your surgeon will determine which type of incisions will be appropriate for your individual case and discuss this with you prior to the operation. After skin and fat is removed, the incision sites are closed with absorbable sutures. Small drainage tubes may be used in each leg to keep fluid from building up after the operation, and these will be removed during your post-operative visit.
Thigh lift recovery
After your thigh lift surgery, you will have to wear compression bandages or a compression garment on your legs. If you have drains placed, you will be instructed on how to care for these. You will receive a prescription for pain medication and strict instructions from your surgeon about incision care and activity limitation. You are encouraged to walk right after your procedure, but no strenuous activity should be done for at least 2 weeks. Most patients are able to return to work in about 2 weeks, and by 6 weeks patients are typically able to resume all of their usual activities and exercise.
Thigh lift results
Improvement in thigh contour will be apparent immediately after the surgery. Bruising and swelling typically takes several weeks to resolve completely. Once the incisions have healed, scar management may begin and you will receive instructions on how. Scars will continue to change for a year after surgery and slowly fade. After surgery, we advise on sun protection to achieve the best final scarring. Thigh lift patients are generally pleased with their results and are able to explore new wardrobe options to show off their new legs! Are you ready to take the next step toward contoured, beautiful legs?